Dole Food Company Recognized by U.S. Secretary of State for Corporate Social Responsibility...

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Fri Sep 5, 2008 1:44pm EDT 

Dole Food Company Recognized by U.S. Secretary of State for Corporate Social Responsibility Programs in the Philippines

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
Dole Food Company announced today it was chosen as a finalist for
the U.S. Secretary of State's prestigious 2008 Award for Corporate
Excellence (ACE). Dole is one of eleven U.S. companies operating
abroad chosen as finalists, selected from more than sixty nominations
submitted by U.S. Ambassadors around the world.

   As an ACE finalist, the U.S. Department of State has recognized
Dole's operations in the Philippines as an exemplary corporate
citizen. Dole Philippines is a leader in environmental stewardship,
with education, training, environmental protection and health programs
benefiting Dole employees and the communities in which they live.

   Among other contributions, Dole recently planted its millionth
tree under the Company's "Chairs-for-Trees" program, increasing the
number of desks and chairs available for local schools and, in doing
so, implementing recycling and reforestation initiatives. The
desk-chair combinations are made from Dole's recycled wooden pallets,
and in exchange beneficiaries plant seedlings.

   "Public diplomacy and long-term community investment have been at
the heart of Dole's core principles for decades," said David
DeLorenzo, president and chief executive officer of Dole Food Company.
"In the rural areas in which we operate around the world, Dole is
working and building communities, even where others are often
fighting."

   About the Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE):

   The U.S. Secretary of State has awarded ACE since 1999 to
recognize U.S. businesses operating abroad for advancing good
corporate citizenship, innovation, and democratic principles. This
year marks the 10th anniversary of the ACE program. Secretary of State
Rice will present the winners for 2008 on November 6th.

   About Dole Food Company:

   Dole Food Company, Inc., with 2007 revenues of $6.9 billion, is
the world's largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruit
and fresh vegetables. Dole markets a growing line of packaged foods
and frozen fruit and is a produce industry leader in nutrition
education and research. For more information on the company's CSR
efforts, please visit www.dolecsr.com.

Dole Food Company
Marty Ordman
818-874-4834
In Europe/Latin America:
Sylvain Cuperlier
33-1-44-17-3723

Copyright Business Wire 2008
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